Amid swirling speculations about a potential merger in Belize’s telecommunications sector, Prime Minister John Briceño remained tight-lipped when questioned about the rumored acquisition of Speednet Communications by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). The rumors, which first surfaced in July 2025, have yet to be officially confirmed or denied. During a recent event hosted by BTL, reporters seized the opportunity to press the Prime Minister for clarity. However, Briceño deftly sidestepped the inquiries, redirecting journalists to his brother, Jaime Briceño, with a curt response: ‘Talk to Jaime. His number is 670-1234.’ When pressed further, the Prime Minister firmly declined to engage, stating, ‘I am not going to go into a banter with you.’ This evasive stance has left the public and industry stakeholders in suspense, fueling further speculation about the future of Belize’s telecom landscape. The potential merger, if realized, could significantly reshape the competitive dynamics of the sector, but for now, the government’s silence continues to cloud the situation.
分类： business
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GHTA celebrates members’ success at 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has proudly announced the remarkable achievements of its members at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards, held on October 4, 2025, at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian in St. Lucia. This prestigious event, renowned for celebrating excellence in the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, highlighted Grenada’s exceptional contributions to Caribbean hospitality. Several of the island’s top resorts were honored with distinguished awards, further cementing Grenada’s reputation as a premier destination. Among the winners, Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa was named Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025, while Spice Island Beach Resort claimed the title of Grenada’s Leading Beach Resort 2025. Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel continued its winning streak, securing Grenada’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2025 for the 11th consecutive year. Six Senses La Sagesse earned dual accolades as Grenada’s Leading Green Hotel 2025 and Grenada’s Leading Resort 2025, and Silversands Grenada was recognized as Grenada’s Leading Wedding Resort 2025. Arlene Friday, CEO of GHTA, emphasized that these awards reflect the unwavering dedication of Grenada’s hospitality sector to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. She noted that these achievements not only elevate Grenada’s global profile but also inspire the industry to continue setting new standards for luxury and authenticity in the Caribbean. The GHTA commended its members for their outstanding contributions and their role in enhancing Grenada’s position as a world-class tourism destination.
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Senator Dwayne George Represents Antigua and Barbuda at IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings
Senator Dwayne George, leading a delegation from the Ministry of Finance, represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington, D.C. The high-profile event brought together finance ministers, central bank governors, and policymakers from around the world to deliberate on pressing economic issues, policy frameworks, and strategies for sustainable development. Antigua and Barbuda’s active participation highlighted the nation’s dedication to responsible economic governance and its engagement with the global financial community. During the meetings, Senator George and his team championed the cause of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), shedding light on critical challenges such as climate resilience, debt sustainability, and access to concessional financing. The forum also provided a platform to explore technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives aimed at bolstering national development and economic stability. By engaging in these global discussions, Antigua and Barbuda reinforced its presence on the international stage and strengthened ties with key global partners and institutions. The delegation’s efforts underscored the country’s commitment to addressing the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS while fostering collaborative solutions for shared economic challenges.
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Financing secured for Castries–Gros Islet highway expansion
The Government of Saint Lucia has achieved a significant milestone in its infrastructure development agenda by securing $33 million in financing for the expansion of the Castries–Gros Islet Highway. This critical project aims to address persistent traffic congestion and enhance road safety along one of the island’s most heavily traveled routes. The funding was secured through two separate loan agreements with international development partners, marking a pivotal step forward for the nation’s transportation network.
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GOB to Acquire Fortis’s Hydropower Plants and BEL Shares
In a historic move, the Government of Belize (GOB) has finalized a groundbreaking agreement with Canadian energy giant Fortis Inc. to acquire its entire electricity sector assets in Belize. This includes Fortis’s three major hydropower plants and its 33.3% ownership stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). Prime Minister John Briceño is set to announce the deal in the House of Representatives on Friday, where he will introduce a Bill seeking parliamentary approval for the acquisition. The proposed legislation will authorize the purchase of Fortis’s hydropower facilities on the Macal River, which consist of the 25-megawatt Mollejon Plant, the 7 MW Chalillo Plant and Reservoir, and the 19 MW Vaca Plant. Collectively, these facilities generate over one-third of Belize’s annual electricity supply. Commissioned between 1996 and 2010, these plants have been pivotal in Belize’s renewable energy infrastructure. The government aims to complete the acquisitions by November 15, 2025, with funding allocated through a special budgetary appropriation. Post-acquisition, the government plans to issue domestic equity and debt offerings to recoup the initial investment. Financial specifics of the transaction will be disclosed when the Bill is presented. The existing power purchase agreements between the hydropower plants and BEL extend to 2050 for Mollejon and Chalillo, and to 2060 for Vaca. David Hutchens, President and CEO of Fortis Inc., expressed his congratulations to the Belizean government, highlighting Fortis’s long-standing partnership and operational success in Belize since 1999. The new entity, Hydro Belize Limited, will be headquartered in San Ignacio, Cayo District, under the leadership of CEO Kay Menzies. The company’s 48-member team will be entirely Belizean, with an Interim Board chaired by Ambassador Lynn Young, a seasoned professional with experience at both BEL and Fortis Belize. Advisors to the government included NERA Consulting UK, Hallmark Advisory, Marsh LLP, and Sukhnandan Consulting LLC.
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Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association to gov’t: stop hike in visitor fees immediately
The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has voiced strong objections to the government’s recent implementation of steep visitor site fees, calling the move abrupt and poorly executed. While the DHTA acknowledges ongoing discussions with the government regarding sustainable funding for marketing and natural attraction maintenance, it criticized the lack of consultation and timing of the fee increases, which have surged by over 300% in some cases. The association argues that this approach disrupts collaborative efforts, risks harming local businesses, and could lead to confusion among international partners, ultimately undermining confidence in Dominica as a tourism destination. The new fee structure, effective October 1, 2025, ranges from US$20 for a single-day pass to US$50 for weekly access to eco-tourism sites. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre defended the changes, stating they are necessary to support eco-tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts, with additional fees for visitors set to take effect in January 2026. However, the DHTA highlights that these increases disproportionately affect stayover visitors, who contribute significantly to the local economy, while cruise visitors continue to pay minimal fees, creating an unfair imbalance. The association has called for an immediate suspension of the new fees to allow for transparent planning and equitable solutions, reaffirming its commitment to working with the government to ensure a sustainable future for Dominica’s tourism sector.
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Grenada Co-operative Bank Your Financial Future 2.0 Summit
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited (GCBL), the nation’s sole indigenous commercial bank, took center stage as the Legacy Partner of *Your Financial Future 2.0*, a transformative financial wellness summit held on October 9, 2025. Organized by GoBlue Consulting, the event aimed to equip Grenadians with practical tools and expert insights to enhance their financial literacy and security. The summit featured a series of engaging sessions led by industry leaders, including GCBL’s Managing Director, Larry Lawrence, who delivered the opening keynote titled *The Wealth Within: Rewiring Your Money Mindset*. Lawrence delved into the psychology of financial behavior, shedding light on the mental and emotional factors that shape how individuals manage their finances. Jennifer Robertson, Executive Manager of Risk, led a breakout session titled *Crush the Debt Cycle: A Practical Reset*, offering actionable strategies to overcome debt. Dr. Aaron Logie, Executive Manager of Finance and Wealth Management, participated in a panel discussion on smart financial strategies tailored to today’s economic landscape. Tanya K Lambert, Corporate Secretary and Executive Manager of Legal, contributed to a panel on wills, trusts, and legacy planning. Beyond knowledge-sharing, GCBL seized the opportunity to engage with both current and prospective customers, showcasing its products and services while gathering valuable feedback on financial needs. Ericka Hosten, Manager of Marketing and Customer Insight, emphasized the bank’s commitment to community development, stating, ‘Financial education is a cornerstone of our outreach. We aim to empower our citizens with the tools they need to achieve financial wellbeing.’ The summit underscored GCBL’s dedication to fostering financial literacy and resilience among Grenadians.
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JNCB announces interest rate and fee adjustments starting December 1
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to adapt to the shifting economic environment, Jamaica National Commercial Bank (JNCB) has unveiled plans to revise interest rates on savings and fixed deposit accounts, alongside an overhaul of its service fee structure. These changes are set to take effect on December 1, 2025. The bank emphasized that the adjustments follow a meticulous and periodic review process designed to ensure competitive returns and sustainable value for its customers. JNCB has urged its clientele to familiarize themselves with the forthcoming modifications by accessing detailed information on the bank’s official website at jncb.com/fees. This proactive approach underscores JNCB’s commitment to aligning its offerings with the dynamic financial landscape while prioritizing customer satisfaction.
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Budget: new ideas, old strategies
In the aftermath of Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s budget presentation, reactions have been mixed, with some praising it as a ‘people’s budget’ while others remain sceptical of its long-term viability. The budget, which shifts financial burdens from the working class to banks, insurance companies, and landlords, has been described as a political solution to a complex economic problem. However, critics argue that this approach merely redistributes costs rather than addressing systemic issues.
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CSO: Inflation eases to 1% in September
In a welcome development for consumers, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) reported that inflation in September 2025 showed a modest deceleration compared to previous months. The inflation rate for September stood at one per cent, a notable drop from the 1.4 per cent recorded in August. This marks a significant shift from the 0.4 per cent rate observed during the same period in 2024. The all-items index, which tracks the average price movement of goods and services purchased by households, registered at 125.4 in September, reflecting a 0.2 per cent decline from August. Food prices, a major component of household expenditure, also saw a reduction, with the food and non-alcoholic beverages index falling by 0.8 per cent. This decrease was attributed to lower prices for staple items such as tomatoes, fresh whole chickens, and melongene, among others. However, this trend was partially counterbalanced by price hikes in other everyday essentials like cucumbers, Irish potatoes, and bottled water. The clothing and footwear index dropped by 0.3 per cent, while the health index saw a marginal decline of 0.1 per cent. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco experienced a slight increase of 0.1 per cent, with other categories remaining stable. These figures, derived from data collected nationwide, provide a comprehensive snapshot of consumer price movements in September. The CSO’s report, released four days after the government’s 2025/2026 budget presentation, offers the first official insight into post-budget inflation trends. The agency emphasized that its consumer price index is compiled using data from a wide range of retail and service providers, ensuring an accurate reflection of price changes across the country.